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However, there does seem to be a general mood of enthusiasm and optimism, the start of a new era, or as the tabloids would put it, a feel-good factor. Because I am travelling the length and breadth of the United Kingdom I have definitely felt this 'feel-good factor' among dentists, despite our national characteristic for complaining. In fact, because the British people are generally happy when they have a gentle moan and groan, I worry when dentists are quiet because that usually heralds serious difficulties.

To turn to more serious matters, the New Year should see publication of a number of long awaited reports. These include the Adult Dental Health Survey, the Government's Dental Strategy and the Chief Medical Officer's GA/Sedation Report. Additionally, further Department of Health initiatives are being developed, such as Clinical Governance, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)and the Commission for Health Improvement As if that were not sufficient, the General Dental Council are working on registration of PCDs, including nurses and clinical dental technicians. Furthermore, the GDC has agreed to a programme of recertification of all dentists on the Register on a five-yearly cycle, and the development of specialisation.

While the reaction to some (or all) of these reports varies from those welcoming them to the bitterly opposed, we must always remember it is the profession's privilege to be self-regulating; and therefore it is in every dentist's interest to be fully conversant with all these topics to retain that privilege. To help ensure this, most of the issues have been subject to individual articles in the various dental publications, not least BDA News which continues to provide timely and important updates on what is happening. But more than simply reporting them, it is the responsibility of the BDA to consider all the items collectively rather than each in isolation. The ramifications from one to another could be significant.

I mentioned briefly the fact that these reports often result in opposition. Dentists, like most other groups of people, are reluctant to accept changes. Why rock the boat when we are relatively comfortable? Many of the proposals will be viewed like the gale warning, a lot of wind associated with troughs of depression.

This attitude misses the point, which is that many of the changes can improve the way we deliver care to patients, and concurrently enhance the image of the profession in the eyes of our patients, and indeed in the eyes of the Government. I passionately believe that dental care must be available for those with the least resources and not only for those who can afford to pay. I hope the 'feel good' factor I described at the start of this message continues to help us remain positive towards change rather than fear it.

It is timely to remind ourselves that the Association with a record of almost 20,000 members is in a very strong position to react to, and be proactive in addressing, the proposed changes. In my Presidential Address in May, I spoke of two themes. Firstly, a buoyant membership means a strong Association, and secondly, unity within the profession enhances that strength. All the proposals will affect whatever branch we work in — be it hospital, university, community, Armed Forces or general practice (both NHS and p rivate). Divided, we surrender the initiative of taking control of the changes.

There is a gift-wrapped opportunity for the BDA to meet the challenges and demonstrate, with determination, that we have the vision to take the whole profession forward into the new century. We need to drive the opportunities to take control. As Graham Greene wrote: 'There is always one moment when the door opens and lets the future in.'

May I wish all Members of the Association a happy and successful 2000.